If the Chevrolet Corvette isn't the first vehicle that comes to mind when you think of technological innovation – there is, after all, something resolutely old-school about even the latest Stingray – it might be time to recalibrate your viewpoint.

Announced today at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas is the new Corvette Performance Data Recorder. Developed with Cosworth, the system incorporates a high-definition 720p video camera in the windshield header, a microphone in the cabin and a GPS receiver that tracks the vehicle's location five times faster than the navigation system.

The system allows drivers to record their pedal-to-the-metal romps behind the wheel of their Stingray, overlay the footage with telemetry data (in Track, Sport, Touring or Performance mode) and save it to the SD card in the glove box. They can then review it by the side of the road or track on the Corvette's eight-inch dashboard display, or load it onto their computer to share with other enthusiasts and analyze with the Cosworth Toolbox software.

The system will be made available on 2015 Corvettes starting later this year, with pricing yet to be announced. If you like what you see so far, you can delve into all the details in the press release and videos below, and be sure to check out the gallery of screen captures above.

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Fast Feedback: Corvette Performance Data Recorder

• Industry-first system features integrated video, audio, and motorsport-inspired telemetry recording capability
• HD-quality videos can be reviewed in-car (when parked), or downloaded to a personal computer for sharing via social media
• Data can be uploaded to Cosworth Toolbox telemetry software, similar to that used by Corvette Racing, to improve driver's techniques and lap times

LAS VEGAS – At the Consumer Electronics Show today, Chevrolet announced an all-new, industry-first Performance Data Recorder will be available on the 2015 Corvette Stingray. The fully integrated system enables users to record high-definition video, with telemetry overlays, of their drive experiences on and off the track.

"The Performance Data Recorder combines the ability to record and share drive videos with the power of a professional-level motorsports telemetry system," said Tadge Juechter, Corvette chief engineer. "Drivers can easily record and share their experiences driving down the Tail of the Dragon or lapping Road Atlanta. In addition, with the included telemetry software users can analyze their laps in incredible detail, and find opportunities to improve their driving and lap times." The Performance Data Recorder (PDR) system was developed with Cosworth, the British motorsports-engineering company that also supplies the Corvette Racing team's data acquisition and telemetry electronics system. It will be available with the start of regular 2015 Corvette production, later in the third quarter of 2014. Pricing will be announced closer to launch.

The PDR system includes three major components, all seamlessly integrated into the Corvette Stingray's interior. First is the 720p, high-definition camera, mounted within the windshield header trim, which records the driver's point-of-view through the windshield. Audio is recorded via a dedicated microphone in the cabin. Second is a self-contained telemetry recorder. The system uses a dedicated GPS receiver that operates at 5 Hz, five times faster than the in-dash navigation system, for more precise positioning and corner traces. The recorder is also hard-wired into the Stingray's Controller Area Network (CAN) to access vehicle information, ranging from engine speed and transmission-gear selection to braking force and steering-wheel angle.

Finally, the system features a dedicated SD-card slot in the glove box for recording and transferring video and vehicle data. Recording time depends on the capacity of the memory card, but an 8GB card can record approximately 200 minutes, while a 32GB card stores up to about 800 minutes – more than 13 hours of driving time.

The PDR system can record video with three data overlay options, each rendered in real time:
• Track Mode – shows the maximum level of data on the screen, including speed, rpm, g-force, a location-based map, lap time, and more.
• Sport Mode – shows fewer details on the overlay, but includes key data including speed and g-force
• Touring Mode – no data overlay; it simply records and displays video and audio of the drive
• Performance Mode – records performance metrics, such as 0 to 60 mph acceleraiton, 1/4-mile speed and elapsed time, and 0-100-0 mph runs. The video can be viewed on the Corvette Stingray's eight-inch color touchscreen (when the car is parked), or downloaded to a computer for further editing, and sharing video via social media sites.

For users who want a more in-depth understanding of their performance, the PDR vehicle data can be opened in the included "Cosworth Toolbox" software, which combines Cosworth's professional-level motorsport data analysis with an easy-to-use graphic interface.

The Cosworth Toolbox application overlays recorded laps on a Bing-enabled satellite map of the track, and features an easy-to-use interface to compare selected laps in detail, for any requested point on the drive. Comparisons include corner traces, vehicle speed, and cornering force to help drivers improve their driving consistency, and ultimately lap times.

The ability to review laps between track sessions can identify immediate adjustments for quicker laps in the next session," said Juechter. "It's like having a 32-GB crew chief trackside, proving you with real-time feedback to improve your driving skills."

About Chevrolet
Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world's largest car brands, doing business in more than 140 countries and selling more than 4.5 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature spirited performance, expressive design, and high quality. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

About Cosworth
Cosworth leverages its brand and motorsports-inspired engineering and manufacturing capabilities to supply electronics and powertrain technologies to premium high-performance vehicle manufacturers. Cosworth was founded in 1958. With headquarters in Northampton, UK, the company employs staff across Europe and the USA. Cosworth can be found at www.cosworth.com.

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"If the Chevrolet Corvette isn't the first vehicle that comes to mind when you think of technological innovation"
well get use to it and for that matter get used to more American companies in conversations with German ones.
If money hadn't left American engineering we wouldn't BE following anyone.

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Name another car in the Corvette's class that offers optional AWD.
There is no reason the Corvette needs optional AWD to be competitive when no other car in its class has optional AWD.
DCT would be nice. Maybe with the Z06.

Seriously, you insist so much with this that now I believe you need to speak with a psychologist. In fact, seems like you have a serious case of OCD. The Corvette is what it is; an AWD Corvette is not a Corvette. And although it would be nice to have a DCT option (although not needed in my opinion), your insisting on it is getting tiresome and annoying. Let it go!

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Sorry to say it, because I dislike the needless denigration people push at each other in the comments section... but OK. You've gone from making a semi-valid point to becoming a mindless automaton. Maybe even a douche bag. Any credibility you originally had is gone... "The Sky is falling" and "Wolf" all in one.... Offered from another Corvette owner.

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SteveM: You are either new here, or is not a frequent flyer. Evo has become an intolerable jack@$$ with his unrelenting rant about AWD and DCT. Why on earth don't he just go out, buy a GT-R and shut up already. So what if GM doesn't get his money. With a six month waiting list, he'll hardly be missed. Another thing is, we still don't know what the in the recipe for the C7 Z06 will be.
For real though, this cat may not have even ever driven a 'Vette.

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Cool feature. I wish they had used a better camera though. Even though it's 720p, it looks very washed out. For what will probably be a $1k-2k option, I would have expected something equal to GoPro quality.

This is awesome. It's like a real life version of watching a replay in Forza with the data overlay on. If they can keep this somewhat reasonably priced (Less than a grand. The only extra hardware required on their part was a camera.), then I think it will sell fairly well. I know several Corvette owners who already go to track days and autocross events with GoPros. They will love this.